Body Lift Surgery (Belt Lipectomy) in Westchester County, NY

Also known as belt lipectomy, body lift surgery is an extensive surgical procedure that reshapes the midsection after massive weight loss. The procedure is often combined with reshaping of the inner/outer thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen. A body lift is common for patients who have experienced massive weight loss or gastric bypass weight loss procedures. The surgery is conducted to remove excess skin that causes cosmetic and functional problems for the patient.

Consider Body Lift Surgery If You . . .

It may be to your advantage to consider body lift surgery if you are tired of the excess skin on your inner and/or outer thighs, buttocks, hips, or abdomen. Among other characteristics that suggest body lift surgery are the following:

• Discomfort and hygiene issues related to skin folds
• Dramatic weight reduction after bariatric surgery
• Body weight has stabilized

Contraindications for this procedure include hypertension, bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Please discuss these issues with Dr. Goldberg and your physician if you are interested in body lift surgery.

How the Body Lift Works

Your plastic surgeon will carefully mark the incisions, strategically placing them in the natural folds of your skin where they will be hidden. After general or local anesthesia, and antibiotics are administered, he will make the incisions, and the loose skin is lifted and removed. Liposuction is conducted as needed. Treatment progresses in a circumferential manner, meaning that the surgeon works outward from his starting point in a circle.

Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed. Depending on the complexity of your surgical goals, future procedures (or staged body lift procedures) may be performed.

Your Recovery from Body Lift Surgery

Most patients will recover in bed for the first 24 hours, walking with assistance on day 2 following surgery. After 1 week post-surgery, the drains that were inserted to collect fluids during the healing process are removed, but compression garment should typically be worn for approximately 6 weeks. Patients usually regain most of their strength and energy about 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding body lift surgery. Dr. Neal Goldberg has plastic surgery practices in two locations — Dobbs Ferry and Scarsdale in Westchester County, New York, so that he can see clients throughout the greater New York and Upstate area.